An Ethical Perspective: The Discussion Assignment Provides A
An Ethical Perspectivethe Discussion Assignment Provides A Forum For D
The discussion assignment provides a forum for discussing relevant topics for this week on the basis of the course competencies covered. For this assignment, make sure you post your initial response to the Discussion Area by the due date assigned and complete your participation for this assignment by Day 7. To support your work, use your course and text readings and also use resources from the South University Online Library. As in all assignments, cite your sources in your work and provide references for the citations in APA format. Support your work, using your course lectures and textbook readings.
Helpful APA guides and resources are available in the South University Online Library. Below are guides that are located in the library and can be accessed and downloaded via the South University Online Citation Resources: APA Style page. The American Psychological Association website also provides detailed guidance on formatting, citations, and references at APA Style.
- APA Citation Helper
- APA Citations Quick Sheet
- APA-Style Formatting Guidelines for a Written Essay
- Basic Essay Template
Begin reviewing and replying to peer postings/responses early in the week to enhance peer discussion. See the rubric for participation points. Participate in the discussion by asking a question, providing a statement of clarification, providing viewpoints with a rationale, challenging aspects of the discussion, or indicating relationships between two or more lines of reasoning in the discussion.
Always use constructive language, even in criticism, to work toward the goal of positive progress.
Paper For Above instruction
In contemporary nursing practice, ethical dilemmas are commonplace, stemming from complex situations that require careful moral consideration. This discussion explores a hypothetical ethical situation a nurse might encounter, compares two ethics concepts from course content, and discusses an ethical principle that can guide decision-making in such scenarios. Additionally, it examines a socialization model relevant to professional development in nursing.
Ethical Situation in Nursing Practice
Consider a scenario where a nurse discovers a colleague administering medication improperly due to time pressures, potentially risking patient safety. The nurse faces an ethical dilemma: whether to report the colleague, which might strain professional relationships and potentially impact team harmony, or to remain silent to avoid conflict, risking patient harm. This situation embodies conflicts between the principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, confidentiality, and fidelity. The nurse must balance loyalty to colleagues with the obligation to ensure patient safety, highlighting the importance of ethical standards in nursing practice.
Comparison of Two Ethical Concepts
Two central ethics concepts discussed in week 2 are autonomy and beneficence. Autonomy emphasizes respecting a patient's right to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Beneficence involves acting in the best interest of the patient, promoting their well-being. In practice, these concepts can sometimes conflict; for instance, respecting a patient's autonomy might lead to declining a treatment that healthcare providers believe would benefit the patient. An ethical approach requires balancing these principles, ensuring patient rights are honored while promoting health and safety.
Ethical Theory or Principle Guiding Decision-Making
The principle of utilitarianism offers a valuable ethical framework in this context. Utilitarianism advocates for actions that maximize overall happiness and reduce suffering. Applying this principle, the nurse should consider the consequences of reporting or not reporting the medication error, aiming to promote the greatest good for the greatest number. Protecting the patient from harm aligns with utilitarian ethics, guiding the nurse toward transparency and accountability, even if it risks interpersonal conflict. This approach prioritizes patient safety and well-being as paramount ethical considerations.
Model of Socialization and Professional Development
The model of socialization most relevant to nursing is Benner's Novice to Expert Model. At my current stage, I identify as an experienced nurse who is transitioning from advanced beginner to competent practitioner. This stage involves developing a deeper understanding of clinical situations, gaining confidence in decision-making, and integrating theoretical knowledge with practice. I find this model pertinent because it describes the growth process I am actively experiencing, emphasizing experiential learning, reflective practice, and increased autonomy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nursing is inherently full of ethical challenges that demand careful moral judgment. Recognizing key concepts such as autonomy and beneficence helps shape decisions that respect patient rights and promote well-being. Employing ethical frameworks like utilitarianism supports making choices that serve the greater good. Understanding socialization models like Benner's provides insight into professional growth, emphasizing continuous education and reflective practice. Ultimately, fostering ethical awareness and professional development enhances the quality and integrity of nursing care.
References
- Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of Biomedical Ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
- Benner, P. (2001). From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Prentice Hall.
- Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. American Nurses Association. (2015).
- Johnstone, M. J. (2015). Bioethics: A Nursing Perspective (4th ed.). Elsevier.
- Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The Leadership Challenge (6th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
- Qualters, D. M., & Bickford, R. (2018). Ethical Decision-Making in Nursing. Nursing Management, 49(3), 22-28.
- Rest, J. R. (1986). Moral Development: Advances in Research and Theory. Praeger Publishers.
- Standards of Practice for Nurses. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2012).
- Thompson, B. (2019). Nursing Ethics and Decision-Making. Journal of Nursing Education, 58(4), 234-239.
- Wolf, Z., Delaune, M., & Dowling, A. (2020). Ethical Dilemmas and Nursing Practice. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 76(10), 2265-2274.